Tonya Melita

UPDATE 9/28 Hi! I hope you are doing well!! Just sending an update as I always promise to do. I am currently free from any sutras, tubes, and PICC lines! My flap from my bum to my right radiated front side is healing up great. I’m so thankful especially since the last surgery from a previous doctor lost blood supply and had to be removed. This is definitely a step in the right direction. The next surgery is scheduled for January to help fix some of the complications I’ve had due to treatment. If I’m honest, I’m feeling very frustrated. As the wounds heal up and look good, the rest of my body is still in significant pain. My oncologist is having me stop the cancer meds for 2 weeks to see if the body pain is possibly a delayed side effect from the medication. I’ve been off for one week and still in a great deal of pain so we will schedule body scans next week just to check to make sure the cancer hasn’t spread. Prayers please! The frustration comes from feeling like I should be feeling better or be further along at this point since my last surgery. I mean I feel like I should also be further along since my diagnosis 4 years ago. I’m staying positive. I’m remaining grateful. I’m also being honest with myself and have had great support from Dana Farber understanding that a cancer diagnosis often feels like grief. It is a form of grief that comes in cycles. They have helped me understand this last surgery was MAJOR and the body still needs time to recover, even though the incision points have closed. My quality of life may feel different now, but that doesn’t mean it has to be bad. I can lean in on the happy, positive parts that are completely in my control. I’m working on that!! PT started today. They say it will be 2-3 months before I start to feel “functionally” normal. We have intense work to do and I’m ready to get stronger and have my energy back. Thank you all for checking in and helping me stay sane and supporting my family and I through the rough patches. Please continue to send anyone my information that is going through something similar or just has questions. I feel I am here on Earth to help others given the circumstances. Helping others is healing in itself. I love you all so much!! Please reach out if there is anything you need. I’ll give more updates as soon as I have them. I’m staying strong and positive and nothing will get in the way of that!! Tonya